jolt
6 synonyms for jolt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To shake or push something abruptly and roughly.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To shake or push something abruptly and roughly.
“The bus jolted forward as it pulled away.”
How to use jolt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a jolt of electricity
jolt awake
a jolt of fear
Etymology
Possibly from an older word "joll," meaning to knock or strike, with a suffix added for repeated action.
Full origin of jolt →Frequently asked questions
What does “jolt” mean?
The word “jolt” means to shake or push something abruptly and roughly. In plain terms, a sudden, rough movement, or a sudden shock — physical or emotional.
How do you pronounce “jolt”?
“Jolt” is pronounced jolt (/d͡ʒoʊlt/ in IPA).
How do you use “jolt” in a sentence?
Here is “jolt” used in a sentence: “The bus jolted forward as it pulled away.”
What part of speech is “jolt”?
Depending on how it is used, “jolt” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “jolt” have?
“Jolt” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shake or push something abruptly and roughly.
